At the July meeting, school board members present were Ann Walsh, Luella Snyder, Doug Shute, and Donna-Marie Currier. Also present, School Superintendent Michael Tursi, business administrator Andrew D’Agostino and the school district treasurer Kristine Giunco.

D’Agostino gave his financial report and reported that there was a balance of $81,000 remaining in the health insurance line. The substitute line was overspent by by $7,000. Fuel oil was overspent, he noted that he was trying to secure a price of $1.60 for LP gas and the cost of diesel fuel will be $3.39 per gallon.

There was some discussion regarding the deficit of the food service. It was noted that the majority of the food service deficit is salary and benefits of the food service employees, due to most of them having been employed by the district for many years. The matter of out-sourcing the food service came under discussion and it was noted that Wakefield School District was on their second year of out-sourcing and they were still showing a deficit, but saved $30,000 by out-sourcing. Tursi noted that it takes a few years before showing a significant difference.The board agreed that Tursi should look at this option for the school district.

It was reported that the 2013 fund balance is $341,135. It was made clear that this amount does not go back to the town, but offsets the tax rate.

Nute High School Principal Aaron Bronson told the board that there are 27 middle school students participating in summer school, studying math, reading computers and art. There are 19 students at Nute High School and five students working at home and communicating via e-mail.

It was agreed that a new policy would be included in the student’s handbook with regard to wearing hats at school. The dress code policy should read as follows, “hats may be worn in all common areas, including the cafeteria and may be worn in the classroom with teacher’s permission. Hats need to be removed at appropriated times. For example, during the Pledge of Allegiance, moments of silence, during assemblies, or when directed to remove it. Any logos or writing on hats must be school appropriate”.

With regard to senior privilege, the handbook should read, “current seniors will need an 85 percent average in all courses, not have any attendance, or discipline issues and have two letters of recommendation from current teachers. Seniors will have to score proficient or better on their junior year NECAP assessments in order to be eligible for senior privileges”.

While in nonpublic session the board accepted the resignation of Susan Corning as second grade teacher, also the resignation of paraprofessional Jessica Wentworth.

COMMUNITY NEWS

VFW Post 8393 will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, August 26 downstairs at the town hall beginning at 6:30 pm with snacks, meeting to follow at 7 pm.